CD3 complex is crucial in transducing antigen-recognition signals into the cytoplasm of T cells and in regulating the cell surface expression of the TCR complex. T cell activation through the antigen receptor (TCR) involves the cytoplasmic tails of the CD3 subunits CD3γ, CD3 δ, CD3ε and CD3ζ. These CD3 subunits are structurally related members of the immunoglobulins superfamily encoded by closely linked genes on human chromosome 11. The CD3 components have long cytoplasmic tails that associate with cytoplasmic signal transduction molecules. This association is mediated at least in part by a double tyrosine-based motif present in a single copy in the CD3 subunits. CD3 may play a role in TCR-induced growth arrest, cell survival and proliferation. The CD3 antigen is present on 68-82% of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes, 65-85% of thymocytes and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. It is never expressed on B or NK cells. Decreased percentages of T lymphocytes may be observed in some autoimmune diseases.

Usage

The reagent is designed for Flow Cytometry analysis of human blood cells. Recommended usage is 10·µl reagent·/ 100·µl of whole blood or 10^6 cells in a suspension. The content of a vial (1 ml) is sufficient for 100 tests.